NEWCASTLE’S light rail system will run down the heavy rail corridor from Wickham then shift to Hunter Street and Scott Street to arrive near the beach at Pacific Park, under a ‘‘hybrid’’ route the state government has selected.

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The government hasn’t said what the project will cost, but puts it within the $460 million that was put on the table, including $340 million from the proceeds of the lease of the Port of Newcastle.

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‘‘We’ll truncate the heavy rail as quickly as we can and get that done by the end of the year and hopefully start work on the interchange,’’ Mr Owen said.